U.S. patent application number 14/735953 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-15 for aftertreatment exhaust separator and/or deflector.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cummins Emission Solutions Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Cummins Emission Solutions Inc.. Invention is credited to Mihai Chiruta, Jeremy D. Harris, James Klingbeil, Tyler K. Lorenz.
Application Number | 20160363027 14/735953 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56508004 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160363027 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lorenz; Tyler K. ; et
al. |
December 15, 2016 |
AFTERTREATMENT EXHAUST SEPARATOR AND/OR DEFLECTOR
Abstract
An exhaust elbow includes an upstream sidewall defining an
upstream portion of the exhaust elbow, a downstream sidewall
defining a downstream portion of the exhaust elbow, and a
deflector. The upstream portion is configured to receive an
upstream exhaust gas. The deflector is coupled to the upstream
sidewall of the exhaust elbow upstream and is configured to deflect
a portion of the upstream exhaust gas received by the upstream
portion of the exhaust elbow away from a region of an interior of
the exhaust elbow into which an injected reductant from a dosing
module is injected. The deflector may reduce and/or prevent
formation of reductant deposits on a downstream sidewall. In some
implementations, an exhaust assisted flow separator may also be
included to direct a portion of the upstream exhaust gas received
by the upstream portion of the exhaust elbow through a dosing
opening.
Inventors: |
Lorenz; Tyler K.;
(McFarland, WI) ; Chiruta; Mihai; (Madison,
WI) ; Klingbeil; James; (Edgerton, WI) ;
Harris; Jeremy D.; (Franklin, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cummins Emission Solutions Inc. |
Columbus |
IN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Cummins Emission Solutions
Inc.
Columbus
IN
|
Family ID: |
56508004 |
Appl. No.: |
14/735953 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01N 2610/02 20130101;
Y02T 10/12 20130101; F01N 2240/20 20130101; Y02T 10/24 20130101;
F01N 3/2066 20130101; F01N 3/2892 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F01N 3/28 20060101
F01N003/28; F01N 3/20 20060101 F01N003/20 |
Claims
1. An exhaust elbow comprising: an upstream sidewall defining an
upstream portion of the exhaust elbow, the upstream portion
configured to receive an upstream exhaust gas; a downstream
sidewall defining a downstream portion of the exhaust elbow; and a
deflector coupled to the upstream sidewall of the exhaust elbow,
the deflector configured to deflect a portion of the upstream
exhaust gas received by the upstream portion of the exhaust elbow
away from a region of an interior of the exhaust elbow into which
an injected reductant from a dosing module is injected.
2. The exhaust elbow of claim 1, wherein the deflector is one of a
flat plate, a curved plate, or an airfoil.
3. The exhaust elbow of claim 1, wherein the deflector is an
arcuate portion of a tube.
4. The exhaust elbow of claim 1, wherein a portion of the deflector
curves about the region of the interior of the exhaust elbow into
which injected reductant from a dosing module is injected.
5. The exhaust elbow of claim 1, wherein the deflector is
longitudinally aligned with a vertical centered axis of the
downstream portion of the exhaust elbow.
6. The exhaust elbow of claim 1, wherein the deflector is
positioned at an angle relative to a vertical centered axis of the
downstream portion of the elbow.
7. The exhaust elbow of claim 6, wherein the angle is between -45
degrees and +45 degrees relative to the vertical centered axis.
8. The exhaust elbow of claim 6, wherein the angle is between -30
degrees and +30 degrees relative to the vertical centered axis.
9. The exhaust elbow of claim 6, wherein the angle is between -15
degrees and +15 degrees relative to the vertical centered axis.
10. The exhaust elbow of claim 1, wherein the deflector comprises a
turning vane configured to redirect the upstream exhaust gas
received by the upstream portion of the exhaust elbow from a first
direction to a second direction.
11. An exhaust aftertreatment component, comprising: an upstream
sidewall defining an upstream portion of an exhaust elbow, the
upstream portion configured to receive an upstream exhaust gas; a
downstream sidewall defining a downstream portion of the exhaust
elbow; an exhaust assisted flow separator coupled to the upstream
sidewall of the exhaust elbow, the exhaust assisted flow separator
comprising a dosing opening, the exhaust assisted flow separator
configured to direct a first portion of the upstream exhaust gas
received by the upstream portion of the exhaust elbow through the
dosing opening; and a deflector coupled to the exhaust assisted
flow separator, the deflector configured to deflect a second
portion of the upstream exhaust gas received by the upstream
portion of the exhaust elbow away from a region of an interior of
the exhaust elbow into which an injected reductant from a dosing
module is injected.
12. The exhaust aftertreatment component of claim 11, wherein the
exhaust assisted flow separator comprises a plurality of dosing
openings.
13. The exhaust aftertreatment component of claim 11, wherein the
exhaust assisted flow separator is configured to increase a
velocity of the injected reductant via the first portion of the
upstream exhaust gas.
14. The exhaust aftertreatment component of claim 11, wherein the
exhaust assisted flow separator comprises a dosing portion and an
exhaust gas separation portion, the dosing portion comprising a
base with the dosing opening and a sidewall, the exhaust gas
separation portion comprising an angled base, wherein the exhaust
assisted flow separator is coupled to the upstream sidewall of the
exhaust elbow by the sidewall of the dosing portion.
15. The exhaust aftertreatment component of claim 14, wherein the
exhaust gas separation portion further comprises one or more
sidewalls, and wherein the exhaust assisted flow separator is
further coupled to the upstream sidewall of the exhaust elbow by
the one or more sidewalls of the exhaust gas separation
portion.
16. The exhaust aftertreatment component of claim 11, wherein the
deflector is one of a flat plate, a curved plate, or an
airfoil.
17. The exhaust aftertreatment component of claim 11, wherein the
deflector is an arcuate portion of a tube.
18. The exhaust aftertreatment component of claim 11, wherein the
deflector is positioned at an angle relative to a vertical centered
axis of the downstream portion of the elbow.
19. The exhaust aftertreatment component of claim 18, wherein the
angle is between -45 degrees and +45 degrees relative to the
vertical centered axis.
20. The exhaust aftertreatment component of claim 18, wherein the
angle is between -15 degrees and +15 degrees relative to the
vertical centered axis.
21. The exhaust aftertreatment component of claim 11, wherein the
deflector comprises a turning vane configured to redirect a third
portion of the upstream exhaust gas received by the upstream
portion of the exhaust elbow from a first direction to a second
direction.
22. A method, comprising: providing an exhaust elbow for an exhaust
system, the exhaust elbow comprising an upstream sidewall defining
an upstream portion of the exhaust elbow and a downstream sidewall
defining a downstream portion of the exhaust elbow, the upstream
portion configured to receive an upstream exhaust gas; coupling an
exhaust assisted flow separator to the upstream sidewall of the
exhaust elbow, the exhaust assisted flow separator comprising a
dosing opening, the exhaust assisted flow separator configured to
direct a first portion of the upstream exhaust gas received by the
upstream portion of the exhaust elbow through the dosing opening;
and coupling a deflector to a portion of the exhaust assisted flow
separator, the deflector configured to deflect a second portion of
the upstream exhaust gas received by the upstream portion of the
exhaust elbow away from a region of an interior of the exhaust
elbow into which an injected reductant from a dosing module is
injected.
23. The method of claim 22 further comprising: coupling an upstream
end of the upstream portion of the exhaust elbow to an upstream
portion of the exhaust system; and coupling a downstream end of the
downstream portion of the exhaust elbow to a downstream portion of
the exhaust system.
24. The method of claim 23 further comprising: coupling a dosing
module to a dosing module mounting portion of the exhaust
elbow.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the exhaust assisted flow
separator is configured to increase a velocity of the injected
reductant via the first portion of the upstream exhaust gas.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the deflector is an arcuate
portion of a tube.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates generally to the field of
aftertreatment systems for internal combustion engines.
BACKGROUND
[0002] For internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines,
nitrogen oxide (NO.sub.x) compounds may be emitted in the exhaust.
To reduce NO.sub.x emissions, an SCR process may be implemented to
convert the NO.sub.x compounds into more neutral compounds, such as
diatomic nitrogen, water, or carbon dioxide, with the aid of a
catalyst and a reductant. The catalyst may be included in a
catalyst chamber of an exhaust system, such as that of a vehicle or
power generation unit. A reductant, such as anhydrous ammonia,
aqueous ammonia, or urea is typically introduced into the exhaust
gas flow prior to the catalyst chamber. To introduce the reductant
into the exhaust gas flow for the SCR process, an SCR system may
dose or otherwise introduce the reductant through a dosing module
that vaporizes or sprays the reductant into an exhaust pipe of the
exhaust system up-stream of the catalyst chamber. The SCR system
may include one or more sensors to monitor conditions within the
exhaust system.
SUMMARY
[0003] Implementations described herein relate to devices for
providing exhaust assistance to injected reductant and, in some
instances, flow deflection and/or redirection. Some exhaust
aftertreatment systems include an elbow for an exhaust system that
includes an elbow-mounted dosing module. The elbow can include an
exhaust assisted flow separator for diverting a portion of the
upstream exhaust gas to assist in increasing the velocity of the
injected reductant to reduce and/or eliminate the likelihood of
injected reductant impacting a sidewall of the elbow and/or
downstream decomposition chamber. The exhaust assisted flow
separator diverts a portion of the upstream exhaust gas to surround
injected reductant and forces the reductant through an opening for
increasing mixing and evaporation. In some instances, a deflector
may be provided, either in addition to or in lieu of the exhaust
assisted flow separator, to prevent upstream exhaust gas from
deflecting the injected reductant toward a sidewall. The deflector
includes a length of material to divert or assist the upstream
exhaust gas in flowing around a curvature of the elbow while also
reducing and/or substantially preventing the upstream exhaust gas
from deflecting the injected reductant toward aftertreatment walls,
thereby reducing the likelihood of reductant deposit generation
and/or growth. In some instances, the combination of the added
velocity and/or mixing provided to the injected reductant by the
exhaust assisted flow separator in addition to the deflection of
upstream exhaust gas by the deflector may substantially reduce
and/or prevent reductant deposit generation and/or growth.
[0004] One implementation relates to an exhaust elbow that includes
an upstream sidewall defining an upstream portion of the exhaust
elbow, a downstream sidewall defining a downstream portion of the
exhaust elbow, and a deflector. The upstream portion is configured
to receive an upstream exhaust gas. The deflector is coupled to the
upstream sidewall of the exhaust elbow upstream and is configured
to deflect a portion of the upstream exhaust gas received by the
upstream portion of the exhaust elbow away from a region of an
interior of the exhaust elbow into which an injected reductant from
a dosing module is injected.
[0005] In some implementations, the deflector prevents formation of
reductant deposits on the downstream sidewall of the exhaust elbow
opposite a flow direction from which the upstream exhaust gas is
received. In some implementations, the deflector is one of a flat
plate, a curved plate, an arcuate portion of a tube, or an airfoil.
In some implementations, a portion of the deflector curves about
the region of the interior of the exhaust elbow into which injected
reductant from a dosing module is injected. In some
implementations, the deflector is longitudinally aligned with a
vertical centered axis of the downstream portion of the exhaust
elbow. In some implementations, the deflector is positioned at an
angle relative to a vertical centered axis of the downstream
portion of the elbow. The angle can be between -45 degrees and +45
degrees, between -30 degrees and +30 degrees, or between -15
degrees and +15 degrees relative to the vertical centered axis. In
some implementations, the deflector includes a turning vane
configured to redirect the upstream exhaust gas received by the
upstream portion of the exhaust elbow from a first direction to a
second direction.
[0006] Another implementation relates to an exhaust aftertreatment
component that includes an upstream sidewall defining an upstream
portion of an exhaust elbow, a downstream sidewall defining a
downstream portion of the exhaust elbow, an exhaust assisted flow
separator, and a deflector. The upstream portion is configured to
receive an upstream exhaust gas. The exhaust assisted flow
separator is coupled to the upstream sidewall of the exhaust elbow
and includes a dosing opening. The exhaust assisted flow separator
is configured to direct a first portion of the upstream exhaust gas
received by the upstream portion of the exhaust elbow through the
dosing opening. The deflector is coupled to the exhaust assisted
flow separator and is configured to deflect a second portion of the
upstream exhaust gas received by the upstream portion of the
exhaust elbow away from a region of an interior of the exhaust
elbow into which an injected reductant from a dosing module is
injected.
[0007] In some implementations, the exhaust assisted flow separator
is configured to increase a velocity of the injected reductant via
the first portion of the upstream exhaust gas. In some
implementations, the exhaust assisted flow separator includes a
dosing portion and an exhaust gas separation portion. The dosing
portion includes a base with the dosing opening and a sidewall, and
the exhaust assisted flow separator is coupled to the upstream
sidewall of the exhaust elbow by the sidewall of the dosing
portion. The exhaust gas separation portion includes an angled
base. In some implementations, the exhaust gas separation portion
also includes one or more sidewalls, and the exhaust assisted flow
separator is further coupled to the upstream sidewall of the
exhaust elbow by the one or more sidewalls of the exhaust gas
separation portion. In some implementations, the deflector prevents
formation of reductant deposits on the downstream sidewall of the
exhaust elbow opposite a flow direction from which the upstream
exhaust gas is received. In some implementations, the deflector is
one of a flat plate, a curved plate, an arcuate portion of a tube,
or an airfoil. In some implementations, the deflector is positioned
at an angle relative to a vertical centered axis of the downstream
portion of the elbow. The angle can be between -45 degrees and +45
degrees or between -15 degrees and +15 degrees relative to the
vertical centered axis. In some implementations, the deflector
includes a turning vane configured to redirect the upstream exhaust
gas received by the upstream portion of the exhaust elbow from a
first direction to a second direction.
[0008] Yet a further implementation relates to a method that
includes providing an exhaust elbow for an exhaust system. The
exhaust elbow includes an upstream sidewall defining an upstream
portion of the exhaust elbow and a downstream sidewall defining a
downstream portion of the exhaust elbow. The upstream portion is
configured to receive an upstream exhaust gas. The method includes
coupling an exhaust assisted flow separator to the upstream
sidewall of the exhaust elbow. The exhaust assisted flow separator
includes a dosing opening and is configured to direct a first
portion of the upstream exhaust gas received by the upstream
portion of the exhaust elbow through the dosing opening. The method
further includes coupling a deflector to a portion of the exhaust
assisted flow separator. The deflector is configured to deflect a
second portion of the upstream exhaust gas received by the upstream
portion of the exhaust elbow away from a region of an interior of
the exhaust elbow into which an injected reductant from a dosing
module is injected.
[0009] In some implementations, the method further includes
coupling an upstream end of the upstream portion of the exhaust
elbow to an upstream portion of the exhaust system, and coupling a
downstream end of the downstream portion of the exhaust elbow to a
downstream portion of the exhaust system. In some implementations,
the method still further includes coupling a dosing module to a
dosing module mounting portion of the exhaust elbow. In some
implementations, the exhaust assisted flow separator is configured
to increase a velocity of the injected reductant via the first
portion of the upstream exhaust gas. In some implementations, the
deflector prevents formation of reductant deposits on the
downstream sidewall of the exhaust elbow opposite a flow direction
from which the upstream exhaust gas is received.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0010] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in
the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other
features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will become
apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims, in
which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram of an example selective
catalytic reduction system having an example reductant delivery
system for an exhaust system;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an implementation of an
exhaust assisted flow separator;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an elbow of an
exhaust system having an elbow-mounted dosing module and the
exhaust assisted flow separator of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of an elbow of an exhaust system
having an elbow-mounted dosing module and a deflector;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of an elbow of an
exhaust system having an elbow-mounted dosing module, the deflector
of FIG. 4, and an exhaust assisted flow separator; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a process diagram depicting a process for
manufacturing the elbow of FIG. 5 for an exhaust system having the
exhaust assisted flow separator of FIG. 2 and the deflector of FIG.
4.
[0017] It will be recognized that some or all of the figures are
schematic representations for purposes of illustration. The figures
are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more
implementations with the explicit understanding that they will not
be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various
concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses,
and systems for providing exhaust assistance to injected reductant
and, in some instances, flow deflection and/or redirection. The
various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail
below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the described
concepts are not limited to any particular manner of
implementation. Examples of specific implementations and
applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.
I. Overview
[0019] Exhaust systems can be provided for several different
internal combustion engine applications, such as on and off road
vehicles, mining equipment, power generation, etc. Some exhaust
systems may include an aftertreatment system for treating exhaust
gases produced as part of the combustion process. For instance,
some exhaust systems include selective catalytic reduction systems
to treat NO.sub.x emissions within the exhaust gas. Such systems
can include a liquid dosing module, such as a urea or diesel
exhaust fluid dosing module, for injecting reductant into exhaust
gas flowing through the exhaust system, such as into a
decomposition chamber. The reductant droplets undergo the processes
of evaporation, thermolysis, and hydrolysis to form gaseous ammonia
within the decomposition chamber of the exhaust system. The
reductant droplets mix with the exhaust and evaporate in order to
distribute the gaseous ammonia evenly to downstream catalysts. In
some instances, such as exhaust systems without size and/or
configuration constraints, a long, straight decomposition chamber
may be used with a dosing module mounted to a sidewall to inject
reductant into the decomposition chamber. The sidewall mounting of
the dosing module may permit reductant to be injected toward the
middle of the decomposition chamber and flow along the length of
the decomposition chamber to allow sufficient mixing, evaporation,
thermolysis, and hydrolysis to occur upstream of a catalyst, such
as an SCR catalyst.
[0020] In some instances, sidewall mounting of the dosing module
may not be possible, such as due to size and/or configuration
constraints. For example, the aftertreatment system may be located
in an engine bay with limited capacity and/or configuration
constraints that may only be capable of accommodating an
elbow-mounted dosing module. In other instances, the usage of an
elbow-mounted dosing module may be preferable, such as for reducing
and/or compacting the size of an aftertreatment system or
integrating the elbow decomposition chamber in to a single SCR body
or package. When exhaust gas is flowing through an elbow of the
exhaust gas system that includes an elbow-mounted dosing module for
injecting reductant, the exhaust gas upstream of the injected
reductant may cause the injected reductant to flow toward and/or
collide with a sidewall of the elbow and/or a downstream exhaust
system component, such as a decomposition chamber. When liquid
reductant collides with a sidewall of the exhaust gas system,
deposit generation or growth may occur. For high exhaust gas flow
conditions, the effect of the exhaust gas on the injected reductant
may further increase the deposit generation and/or growth risk. For
some sidewall materials, such as stainless steel, the reductant
deposits may result in erosion of the sidewall material in addition
to and/or in lieu of potentially increasing backpressure, reducing
and/or disrupting the mixing of exhaust gas and injected reductant,
and/or decreasing the uniformity of the resulting gaseous ammonia
and exhaust gas mixture. Weldment erosion can result in leaks
and/or lead to potential structural failure modes. Elimination
and/or reduction in the generation and/or growth of deposits may be
advantageous for certain aftertreatment systems.
[0021] Implementations described herein relate to exhaust
aftertreatment systems that include an elbow for an exhaust system
that includes an elbow-mounted dosing module. In some
implementations, the elbow includes an exhaust assisted flow
separator for diverting a portion of the upstream exhaust gas to
assist in increasing the velocity of the injected reductant to
reduce and/or eliminate the likelihood of injected reductant
impacting a sidewall of the elbow and/or downstream decomposition
chamber. The exhaust assisted flow separator diverts a portion of
the upstream exhaust gas to surround the reductant spray cone and
forces the reductant through an opening for increasing mixing and
evaporation.
[0022] In some instances, a deflector may be provided to prevent
upstream exhaust gas from deflecting the injected reductant toward
aftertreatment walls. The deflector may be provided either in
addition to and/or independently of the exhaust assisted flow
separator. The deflector includes a length of material to divert or
assist the upstream exhaust gas in flowing around the curvature of
the elbow while also reducing and/or substantially preventing the
upstream exhaust gas from deflecting the injected reductant toward
aftertreatment walls, thereby reducing the likelihood of reductant
deposit generation and/or growth. In some instances, the deflector
may be a solid piece of material, such as a sheet and/or curved
portion of metal, to deflect the upstream exhaust gas flow. In
other instances, the deflector may include perforations, slots,
mesh, vanes, and/or other material to allow a reduced amount of
exhaust gas to flow through or around the deflector. The length of
the deflector may be based on a distance the injected reductant for
the elbow must travel to sufficiently mix, evaporate, thermolyze,
and hydrolyze such that contact with a sidewall does not form a
reductant deposit.
[0023] In some instances, the combination of the added velocity
and/or mixing provided to the injected reductant by the exhaust
assisted flow separator in addition to the deflection of upstream
exhaust gas by the deflector may substantially reduce and/or
prevent reductant deposit generation and/or growth.
[0024] In some implementations, the exhaust decomposition elbow
with the integrated dosing module may be internalized to a larger
aftertreatment body while still allowing adequate accessibility to
the serviceable doser. This single package integration of the
decomposition elbow allows for a reduced space-claim and further
insulation of the decomposition chamber walls to reduce the risk of
deposits. The exhaust assisted flow separator is coupled to the
upstream sidewall of the exhaust elbow and includes a dosing
opening. The exhaust assisted flow separator is configured to
direct a first portion of the upstream exhaust gas received by the
upstream portion of the exhaust elbow through the dosing opening.
The deflector is coupled to the exhaust assisted flow separator and
is configured to deflect a second portion of the upstream exhaust
gas received by the upstream portion of the exhaust elbow away from
a region of an interior of the exhaust elbow into which an injected
reductant from a dosing module is injected.
II. Overview of Aftertreatment System
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts an aftertreatment system 100 having an
example reductant delivery system 110 for an exhaust system 190.
The aftertreatment system 100 includes a diesel particulate filter
(DPF) 102, the reductant delivery system 110, a decomposition
chamber or reactor 104, a SCR catalyst 106, and a sensor 150.
[0026] The DPF 102 is configured to remove particulate matter, such
as soot, from exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust system 190. The
DPF 102 includes an inlet, where the exhaust gas is received, and
an outlet, where the exhaust gas exits after having particulate
matter substantially filtered from the exhaust gas and/or
converting the particulate matter into carbon dioxide.
[0027] The decomposition chamber 104 is configured to convert a
reductant, such as urea or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), into
ammonia. The decomposition chamber 104 includes a reductant
delivery system 110 having a dosing module 112 configured to dose
the reductant into the decomposition chamber 104. In some
implementations, the reductant is injected upstream of the SCR
catalyst 106. The reductant droplets then undergo the processes of
evaporation, thermolysis, and hydrolysis to form gaseous ammonia
within the exhaust system 190. The decomposition chamber 104
includes an inlet in fluid communication with the DPF 102 to
receive the exhaust gas containing NO.sub.x emissions and an outlet
for the exhaust gas, NO.sub.x emissions, ammonia, and/or remaining
reductant to flow to the SCR catalyst 106.
[0028] The decomposition chamber 104 includes the dosing module 112
mounted to the decomposition chamber 104 such that the dosing
module 112 may dose the reductant into the exhaust gases flowing in
the exhaust system 190. The dosing module 112 may include an
insulator 114 interposed between a portion of the dosing module 112
and the portion of the decomposition chamber 104 to which the
dosing module 112 is mounted. The dosing module 112 is fluidly
coupled to one or more reductant sources 116. In some
implementations, a pump 118 may be used to pressurize the reductant
from the reductant source 116 for delivery to the dosing module
112.
[0029] The dosing module 112 and pump 118 are also electrically or
communicatively coupled to a controller 120. The controller 120 is
configured to control the dosing module 112 to dose reductant into
the decomposition chamber 104. The controller 120 may also be
configured to control the pump 118. The controller 120 may include
a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit
(ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., or
combinations thereof. The controller 120 may include memory which
may include, but is not limited to, electronic, optical, magnetic,
or any other storage or transmission device capable of providing a
processor, ASIC, FPGA, etc. with program instructions. The memory
may include a memory chip, Electrically Erasable Programmable
Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read only memory
(EPROM), flash memory, or any other suitable memory from which the
controller 120 can read instructions. The instructions may include
code from any suitable programming language.
[0030] The SCR catalyst 106 is configured to assist in the
reduction of NO.sub.x emissions by accelerating a NO.sub.x
reduction process between the ammonia and the NO.sub.x of the
exhaust gas into diatomic nitrogen, water, and/or carbon dioxide.
The SCR catalyst 106 includes an inlet in fluid communication with
the decomposition chamber 104 from which exhaust gas and reductant
is received and an outlet in fluid communication with an end of the
exhaust system 190.
[0031] The exhaust system 190 may further include a diesel
oxidation catalyst (DOC) in fluid communication with the exhaust
system 190 (e.g., downstream of the SCR catalyst 106 or upstream of
the DPF 102) to oxidize hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the
exhaust gas.
[0032] In some implementations, the DPF 102 may be positioned
downstream of the decomposition chamber or reactor pipe 104. For
instance, the DPF 102 and the SCR catalyst 106 may be combined into
a single unit. In some implementations, the dosing module 112 may
instead be positioned downstream of a turbocharger(s) or upstream
of a turbocharger(s).
[0033] The sensor 150 may be coupled to the exhaust system 190 to
detect a condition of the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust
system 190. In some implementations, the sensor 150 may have a
portion disposed within the exhaust system 190, for example a tip
of the sensor 150 may extend into a portion of the exhaust system
190. In other implementations, the sensor 150 may receive exhaust
gas through another conduit, such as a sample pipe extending from
the exhaust system 190. While the sensor 150 is depicted as
positioned downstream of the SCR catalyst 106, it should be
understood that the sensor 150 may be positioned at other positions
of the exhaust system 190, including upstream of the DPF 102,
within the DPF 102, between the DPF 102 and the decomposition
chamber 104, within the decomposition chamber 104, between the
decomposition chamber 104 and the SCR catalyst 106, within the SCR
catalyst 106, or downstream of the SCR catalyst 106. In addition,
two or more sensor 150 may be utilized for detecting a condition of
the exhaust gas, such as two, three, four, five, or size sensor 150
with each sensor 150 located at one of the foregoing positions of
the exhaust system 190
III. Example Exhaust Aftertreatment Separator
[0034] An exhaust aftertreatment system, such as the exhaust system
190 of FIG. 1, includes a dosing module to inject and decompose a
chemical reductant (e.g., urea, diesel exhaust fluid, etc.) in a
decomposition chamber. The reductant mixes with the exhaust gas and
evaporates in order to distribute the resulting exhaust gas and
gaseous ammonia mixture evenly to a downstream catalyst. For
exhaust systems with an elbow-mounted dosing module, the exhaust
flows around the elbow while reductant is injected from the dosing
module. In some instances, the exhaust gas upstream of the injected
reductant may cause the injected reductant to flow toward and/or
collide with a sidewall of the elbow and/or a downstream
decomposition chamber. When liquid reductant collides with a
sidewall of the exhaust gas system, deposit generation or growth
may occur. For high exhaust gas flow conditions, the effect of the
exhaust gas on the injected reductant may further increase the
deposit generation and/or growth risk.
[0035] FIG. 2 depicts an exhaust assisted flow separator 200 for
providing separated upstream exhaust gas with and/or about the
injected reductant to reduce and/or prevent reductant deposit
generation and/or growth. The exhaust assisted flow separator 200
provides a portion of the upstream exhaust gas with the injected
reductant to increase the flow velocity of the injected reductant
and/or to increase the mixing and evaporation of the injected
reductant. That is, the increased flow velocity imparted to the
injected reductant by the upstream exhaust gas may reduce the
amount of deflection of the injected reductant and exhaust gas
mixture when the remaining upstream exhaust gas encounters the
injected reductant and exhaust gas mixture in the downstream leg of
the elbow. The reduced deflection may reduce and/or substantially
prevent the injected reductant from impacting a sidewall, thereby
reducing and/or substantially preventing formation of reductant
deposits. In addition, the portion of the upstream exhaust gas
provided with the injected reductant may swirl and/or otherwise mix
with the injected reductant and increases the temperature of the
injected reductant. The added mixing and temperature increases the
mixing and evaporation of the injected reductant into a gaseous
ammonia and exhaust gas mixture prior to encountering the remaining
upstream exhaust gas in the elbow, thereby also reducing and/or
substantially preventing the injected reductant from impacting the
sidewall and the formation of reductant deposits.
[0036] The exhaust assisted flow separator 200 includes an exhaust
gas separation portion 210 and a dosing portion 250. The exhaust
gas separation portion 210 includes an angled base 212 for
diverting at least a portion of upstream exhaust gas toward the
dosing portion 250. The angled base 212 can be a flat plate, a
curved plate (either parallel and/or perpendicular to an axis of
the flow of the upstream exhaust gas), and/or any other
configuration for diverting a portion of the upstream exhaust gas.
In some implementations, the angle and/or length of the angled base
212 may be based on an amount of upstream exhaust gas to be
diverted. For instance, the angle and/or length of the angled base
212 may be selected based on an inlet aperture area and/or a
percentage of the total exhaust flow. The inlet aperture area is
the is an area formed between the angled base 212 and an upstream
sidewall of an elbow of an exhaust gas system, such as upstream
sidewall 274 of elbow 270 of FIG. 3, in a plane perpendicular to
the flow of the upstream exhaust gas.
[0037] In some implementations, the exhaust gas separation portion
210 includes one or more sidewalls 214 extending from the angled
base 212 to assist in the diversion of upstream exhaust gas. The
one or more sidewalls 214 may be coupled and/or attached to a
portion of an upstream sidewall of an elbow of an exhaust gas
system, such as the upstream sidewall 274 of the elbow 270 of FIG.
3.
[0038] The dosing portion 250 is configured to collect and guide
separated upstream exhaust gas from the exhaust gas separation
portion 210 around a reductant spray cone from an elbow-mounted
dosing module of the elbow of the exhaust gas system. The dosing
portion 250 includes a sidewall 254 and a base 252. The sidewall
254 and base 252, when coupled or attached to a portion of the
elbow of the exhaust gas system, collect and guide separated
upstream exhaust gas around a reductant spray cone.
[0039] In the implementation shown in FIG. 2, the base 252 includes
a dosing opening 256 through which the injected reductant of the
reductant spray cone and the separated upstream exhaust gas flow.
The dosing opening 256 may be a circular opening, an ovular
opening, an egg-shaped opening, a tear drop opening, a square
opening, a triangular opening, a rectangular opening, etc. The
dosing opening 256 may be aligned with an injector tip of a dosing
module and/or the injector tip of the dosing module may be offset
relative to the dosing opening 256. The separated upstream exhaust
gas is directed toward the injector tip of the dosing module via
the dosing portion 250 and then forced though the dosing opening
256 formed through the base 254 of the dosing portion 250. During
reductant dosing, the rapid blending of the exhaust flow and
reductant through the dosing opening 256 results in a blended
reductant and exhaust gas stream, which can impart additional
velocity to the injected reductant, increase the mixing of the
exhaust gas and injected reductant through the dosing opening 256,
and/or increase the temperature of the injected reductant to
increase the evaporation of the injected reductant. This leads to
increased performance of the aftertreatment system due to greater
reductant evaporation, improved mixing, and/or reduced impingement
of the injected reductant with a sidewall of the elbow and/or
decomposition chamber. In some implementations, the dosing opening
256 may include turbulators for increasing the turbulent flow of
the separated upstream exhaust gas flow. In other implementations,
the dosing opening 256 may include a fully flanged lip, a partial
flange, or other formed features. Additionally, an implementation
may involve more than one dosing module that may dose through a
single or multiple dosing openings 256.
[0040] FIG. 3 depicts a partial cross-section of an elbow 270 of an
exhaust gas system that includes an upstream portion 272 configured
to receive exhaust gas from an upstream portion of the exhaust gas
system and a downstream portion 276 configured to provide a gaseous
ammonia and exhaust gas mixture to a downstream portion of the
exhaust gas system. The elbow 270 of FIG. 3 is a 90 degree elbow
such that the upstream portion 272 and downstream portion 276 are
positioned 90 degrees relative to each other. Other angles of
elbows may be used as well, such as an elbow forming an angle
between the upstream portion 272 and downstream portion 276 of
between 15 degrees to 165 degrees, between 30 degrees to 150
degrees, between 45 degrees to 135 degrees, between 60 degrees to
120 degrees, between 75 degrees to 105 degrees, etc. The upstream
portion 272 is defined by an upstream sidewall 274 and the
downstream portion 276 is defined by a downstream sidewall 278. In
some implementations, the upstream sidewall 274 and downstream
sidewall 278 define a tubular upstream portion 272 and downstream
portion 276 (e.g., having a circular and/or ovular cross-section in
a plane perpendicular to the upstream flow of the exhaust gas). In
other implementations, the upstream portion 272 and downstream
portion 276 have a square cross-section, a triangular
cross-section, and/or any other geometric shape cross-section. The
elbow 270 includes a dosing module mounting portion 280 for
mounting and/or coupling a dosing module to the elbow 270. The
dosing module mounting portion 280 includes an opening through
which injected reductant 290 can be dosed into an interior 282 of
the elbow 270.
[0041] As shown by directional arrows 284, 286, 288, upstream
exhaust gas is received by the upstream portion 276 flowing in a
first direction 284 and is redirected to flow in a second direction
288 via the elbow 270 into the downstream portion 276 to be
provided to a downstream portion of the exhaust gas system. When
reductant is injected by a dosing module coupled to the dosing
module mounting portion 280, the injected reductant 290 in the
interior 282 of the elbow 270 encounters the upstream exhaust gas
flowing through the elbow 270. In some implementations, the
upstream exhaust gas flowing in the first direction 284 and/or an
intermediate direction 286 can deflect and/or otherwise urge the
injected reductant 290 toward the downstream sidewall 278 and/or a
sidewall of a downstream component of the exhaust system, such as a
decomposition chamber.
[0042] The exhaust assisted flow separator 200 of FIG. 2 is coupled
to a portion of the upstream sidewall 274 of the elbow 270. The
exhaust gas separation portion 210 separates a portion 292 of the
upstream exhaust gas from the remaining upstream exhaust gas, shown
by first directional arrows 284. As noted above, the portion 292 of
the upstream exhaust gas is directed by the exhaust gas separation
portion 210 to within the area defined by the dosing portion 250.
The dosing portion 250 directs the separated upstream exhaust gas
toward the injector tip of the dosing module and then forces the
separated upstream exhaust gas though the dosing opening 256 formed
through the base 254 of the dosing portion 250. During reductant
dosing, the rapid blending of the exhaust flow and reductant
through the dosing opening 256 results in a blended reductant and
exhaust gas stream. This can impart additional velocity to the
injected reductant, increase the mixing of the exhaust gas and
injected reductant through the dosing opening 256, and/or increase
the temperature of the injected reductant to increase the
evaporation of the injected reductant. This leads to increased
performance of the aftertreatment system due to greater reductant
evaporation, improved mixing, and/or reduced impingement of the
injected reductant with a sidewall of the elbow and/or
decomposition chamber.
IV. Example Exhaust Aftertreatment Deflector
[0043] FIG. 4 depicts an elbow 300 of an exhaust system with a
deflector 310 disposed within the elbow 300 and configured to
deflect a portion of upstream exhaust gas away from reductant
injected into the elbow 300 by a dosing module. The elbow 300 may
have a substantially similar construction to the elbow 270 of FIG.
3. In the implementation shown, the deflector 310 is positioned
within a portion of the upstream portion of the elbow 300 to
deflect and/or redirect at least a portion of the upstream exhaust
gas towards the downstream portion of the elbow 300 to reduce the
amount of upstream exhaust gas that encounters the injected
reductant. The deflector 310 may reduce and/or substantially
prevent the upstream exhaust gas from deflecting the injected
reductant, such as due to the upstream exhaust gas flow momentum,
toward a downstream sidewall of the elbow 300 and/or a sidewall of
a downstream component of the exhaust system, such as a
decomposition chamber.
[0044] The deflector 310 may be a flat plate, a curved plate
(convex and/or concave), an arcuate portion of a tube, a 3-sided
rectangular portion of a tube, an airfoil, a perforated plate, a
slotted plate, etc. A first portion of the deflector 310 is coupled
to a sidewall of the upstream portion of the elbow and/or another
component, such as the exhaust assisted flow separator 200 of FIG.
2, and a second portion of the deflector 310 extends into the
passageway formed by the upstream portion of the elbow 300 through
which exhaust gas flows. In some implementations, the deflector 310
is coupled to the upstream sidewall of the upstream portion of the
elbow 300 and curves about a portion of the region of the interior
of the elbow 300 into which the reductant is injected by the dosing
module. Thus, the deflector 310 deflects the upstream exhaust gas
flow about the injected reductant so that the momentum from the
upstream exhaust gas is not transferred to the injected reductant
to deflect the injected reductant toward the downstream sidewall of
the elbow 300 and/or a sidewall of a downstream component of the
exhaust system, such as a decomposition chamber.
[0045] In some implementations, the deflector 310 is longitudinally
aligned with a vertical centered axis 320 of the downstream portion
of the elbow. In other implementations, the deflector 310 is
positioned at an angle relative to the vertical centered axis 320
of the downstream portion of the elbow 300. For instance, the angle
of the deflector 310 may be between -75 degrees and +75 degrees,
between -60 degrees and +60 degrees, between -45 degrees and +45
degrees, between -30 degrees and +30 degrees, between -15 degrees
and +15 degrees, and/or combinations thereof relative to the
vertical centered axis 320 of the downstream portion of the elbow
300.
[0046] The positive angles of the deflector 310 relative to the
vertical centered axis 320 of the downstream portion of the elbow
300 refer to angles of the deflector 310 toward the upstream
portion of the elbow 300 and away from the vertical centered axis
320 of the downstream portion of the elbow 300. Thus, the deflector
310 may angle into the upstream portion of the elbow 300. The
angling of the deflector 310 into the upstream portion of the elbow
300 may accommodate the expansion of a cone of injected reductant
while deflecting exhaust gas about the injected reductant.
[0047] The negative angles of the deflector 310 relative to the
vertical centered axis 320 of the downstream portion of the elbow
300 refer to angles of the deflector 310 away from the upstream
portion of the elbow 300 and toward the vertical centered axis 320
of the downstream portion of the elbow 300. Thus, the deflector 310
may angle into the downstream portion of the elbow 300. The angling
of the deflector 310 into the downstream portion of the elbow 300
may assist in guiding and/or redirecting the upstream exhaust gas
into the downstream portion of the elbow 300 while reducing the
impact of the deflector 310 on the backpressure of the exhaust
system.
[0048] In some implementations, portions of the deflector 310 may
be positively and negatively angled relative to the vertical
centered axis 320 of the downstream portion of the elbow 300, such
as a concave plate with a positive angle to divert flow around the
injected reductant, but with a convex end, such as a turning vane.
In some implementations, multiple turning vanes may be incorporated
into the deflector 310 to assist in the redirection of the upstream
exhaust gas while also deflecting the upstream exhaust gas flow
around and/or away from the injected reductant. In other
implementations, the deflector 310 may include perforations, mesh,
winglets, etc.
[0049] For a 90 degree elbow where exhaust momentum direction is
changing from the upstream portion to the downstream portion, the
deflector 310 can reduce and/or substantially prevent the upstream
exhaust gas from deflecting the injected reductant into a sidewall
of the downstream portion of the elbow 300 and/or a sidewall of a
downstream exhaust component, such as a decomposition chamber. By
reducing and/or substantially preventing the deflection of the
injected reductant into downstream sidewalls, the deflector 310
also reduces and/or substantially prevents the formation of
reductant deposits. This leads to increased performance of the
aftertreatment system due to greater reductant evaporation,
improved mixing, and/or reduced impingement of the injected
reductant with a sidewall of the elbow and/or decomposition
chamber. In some implementations, the deflector 310 may also induce
eddy currents into the deflected exhaust gas flowing through the
elbow 300, thereby further increasing the mixing and
evaporation.
V. Example Exhaust Aftertreatment Separator and Deflector
[0050] FIG. 5 depicts a partial cross-section of an elbow 500 of an
exhaust gas system that includes an upstream portion 502 configured
to receive exhaust gas from an upstream portion of the exhaust gas
system and a downstream portion 506 configured to provide a gaseous
ammonia and exhaust gas mixture to a downstream portion of the
exhaust gas system. The elbow 500 includes the exhaust assisted
flow separator 200 of FIGS. 2-3 and the deflector 310 of FIG. 4
positioned within the elbow 500. The elbow 500 of FIG. 5 is a 90
degree elbow such that the upstream portion 502 and downstream
portion 506 are positioned 90 degrees relative to each other. Other
angles of elbows may be used as well, such as an elbow forming an
angle between the upstream portion 502 and downstream portion 506
of between 15 degrees to 165 degrees, between 30 degrees to 150
degrees, between 45 degrees to 135 degrees, between 60 degrees to
120 degrees, between 75 degrees to 105 degrees, etc. The upstream
portion 502 is defined by an upstream sidewall 504 and the
downstream portion 506 is defined by a downstream sidewall 508. In
some implementations, the upstream sidewall 504 and downstream
sidewall 508 define a tubular upstream portion 502 and downstream
portion 506 (e.g., having a circular and/or ovular cross-section in
a plane perpendicular to the upstream flow of the exhaust gas). In
other implementations, the upstream portion 502 and downstream
portion 506 have a square cross-section, a triangular
cross-section, and/or any other geometric shape cross-section. The
elbow 500 includes a dosing module mounting portion 510 for
mounting and/or coupling a dosing module to the elbow 500. The
dosing module mounting portion 510 includes an opening through
which injected reductant 520 can be dosed into an interior 512 of
the elbow 500.
[0051] As shown by directional arrows 514, 516, 518, upstream
exhaust gas is received by the upstream portion 506 flowing in a
first direction 514 and is redirected to flow in a second direction
518 via the elbow 500 into the downstream portion 506 to be
provided to a downstream portion of the exhaust gas system. Without
the deflector 310, when reductant is injected by a dosing module
coupled to the dosing module mounting portion 510, the injected
reductant 520 in the interior 512 of the elbow 500 encounters the
upstream exhaust gas flowing through the elbow 500. In some
implementations, the upstream exhaust gas flowing in the first
direction 514 and/or an intermediate direction 516 can deflect
and/or otherwise urge the injected reductant 520 toward the
downstream sidewall 508 and/or a sidewall of a downstream component
of the exhaust system, such as a decomposition chamber.
[0052] The deflector 310 is coupled to a portion of the upstream
sidewall 504 of the elbow 500 and deflects and/or diverts a portion
524 of the upstream exhaust gas flow around and/or away from the
injected reductant 520. Accordingly, the deflector 310 can reduce
and/or substantially prevent the upstream exhaust gas from
deflecting the injected reductant 520 into the downstream sidewall
508 of the downstream portion 506 of the elbow 500 and/or a
sidewall of a downstream exhaust component, such as a decomposition
chamber. By reducing and/or substantially preventing the deflection
of the injected reductant 520 into the downstream sidewalls, the
deflector 310 also reduces and/or substantially prevents the
formation of reductant deposits. This leads to increased
performance of the aftertreatment system due to greater reductant
evaporation, improved mixing, and/or reduced impingement of the
injected reductant with the downstream sidewall 508 of the elbow
500 and/or decomposition chamber. In some implementations, the
deflector 310 may also induce eddy currents into the deflected
exhaust gas flowing through the elbow 500, thereby further
increasing the mixing and evaporation.
[0053] The exhaust assisted flow separator 200 of FIG. 2 is also
coupled to a portion of the upstream sidewall 504 of the elbow 500.
The exhaust gas separation portion 210 separates a portion 522 of
the upstream exhaust gas from the remaining upstream exhaust gas,
shown by first directional arrows 514, 524. The portion 522 of the
upstream exhaust gas is directed by the exhaust gas separation
portion 210 to within the area defined by the dosing portion 250.
The dosing portion 250 directs the separated upstream exhaust gas
toward the injector tip of the dosing module and then forces the
separated upstream exhaust gas though the dosing opening formed
through the base of the dosing portion 250. During reductant
dosing, the rapid blending of the exhaust flow and reductant
through the dosing opening results in a blended reductant and
exhaust gas stream, which can impart additional velocity to the
injected reductant 520, increase the mixing of the exhaust gas and
injected reductant 520 through the dosing opening, and/or increase
the temperature of the injected reductant 520 to increase the
evaporation of the injected reductant. This leads to increased
performance of the aftertreatment system due to greater reductant
evaporation, improved mixing, and/or reduced impingement of the
injected reductant 520 with the downstream sidewall 508 of the
elbow 500 and/or decomposition chamber.
[0054] In some implementations, the exhaust assisted flow separator
200 and the deflector 310 may be coupled together and/or formed as
a single piece. For example, the deflector 310 may be welded to the
base and/or angled base of the exhaust assisted flow separator 200
to extend from the exhaust assisted flow separator 200. In other
implementations, the deflector 310 may be used as the angled base
of the exhaust gas separation portion 210 of the exhaust assisted
flow separator 200.
VI. Method of Manufacturing an Exhaust System Elbow with a
Separator and Deflector
[0055] FIG. 6 depicts a process 600 diagram depicting a process for
manufacturing the elbow of FIG. 5 having an exhaust system having
the exhaust assisted flow separator of FIG. 2 and the deflector of
FIG. 4. The method includes providing an elbow for an exhaust
system (block 610). The elbow may be constructed in a substantially
similar manner to the elbow 500 of FIG. 5 and/or the elbow 270 of
FIG. 3. In some implementations, the elbow may be a stock exhaust
elbow component and/or any other elbow for an exhaust system.
[0056] The process 600 includes coupling an exhaust assisted flow
separator to a sidewall of the elbow (block 620). The exhaust
assisted flow separator may be constructed in a substantially
similar manner to the exhaust assisted flow separator 200 of FIGS.
2-3 and/or 5. The exhaust assisted flow separator may be coupled to
an upstream sidewall of the elbow via welding, bolting, clipping,
clamping, etc. one or more portions of a sidewall 214, 254 of the
exhaust assisted flow separator 200 to the upstream sidewall. In
other implementations, the exhaust assisted flow separator may be
cast and/or formed with the sidewall of the elbow and/or a dosing
module mounting apparatus.
[0057] The process 600 includes coupling a deflector to a portion
of the exhaust assisted flow separator (block 630). The deflector
may be constructed in a substantially similar manner to the
deflector 310 of FIGS. 4-5. The deflector may be coupled to the
exhaust assisted flow separator via welding, bolting, clipping,
clamping, etc. one or more portions of the deflector 310 to the
exhaust assisted flow separator. In other implementations, the
deflector may be cast and/or formed with the exhaust assisted flow
separator to form a single component.
[0058] In some implementations, the process 600 includes coupling
an upstream end of the elbow to an upstream portion of the exhaust
system (block 640). The upstream end of the elbow may be coupled to
the upstream portion of the exhaust system via welding, bolting,
belting, clipping, clamping, etc.
[0059] In some implementations, the process 600 includes coupling a
downstream end of the elbow to a downstream portion of the exhaust
system (block 650). The downstream end of the elbow may be coupled
to the downstream portion of the exhaust system via welding,
bolting, belting, clipping, clamping, etc.
[0060] In some implementations, the process 600 includes coupling a
dosing module to a dosing module mounting portion of the elbow
(block 660). The dosing module may be coupled to the dosing module
mounting portion of the elbow via welding, bolting, belting,
clipping, clamping, etc. In some implementations, an injector tip
of the dosing module is aligned with a dosing opening of the
exhaust assisted flow separator and/or a portion thereof.
[0061] While this specification contains many specific
implementation details, these should not be construed as
limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as
descriptions of features specific to particular implementations.
Certain features described in this specification in the context of
separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in
a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in
the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in
multiple implementations separately or in any suitable
subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above
as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as
such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some
cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination
may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a
subcombination.
[0062] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in
a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that
such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in
sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, the
separation of various system components in the implementations
described above should not be understood as requiring such
separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that
the described components and systems can generally be integrated in
a single product or packaged into multiple products embodied on
tangible media.
[0063] As utilized herein, the terms "substantially" and similar
terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the
common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to
which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be
understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure
that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain
features described and claimed without restricting the scope of
these features to the precise numerical ranges provided.
Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that
insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of
the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be
within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended
claims.
[0064] The terms "coupled," "connected," and the like as used
herein mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to
one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or
moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be
achieved with the two components or the two components and any
additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a
single unitary body with one another or with the two components or
the two components and any additional intermediate components being
attached to one another.
[0065] The terms "fluidly coupled," "in fluid communication," and
the like as used herein mean the two components or objects have a
pathway formed between the two components or objects in which a
fluid, such as water, air, gaseous reductant, gaseous ammonia,
etc., may flow, either with or without intervening components or
objects. Examples of fluid couplings or configurations for enabling
fluid communication may include piping, channels, or any other
suitable components for enabling the flow of a fluid from one
component or object to another.
[0066] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the system shown in the various exemplary
implementations is illustrative only and not restrictive in
character. All changes and modifications that come within the
spirit and/or scope of the described implementations are desired to
be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be
necessary and implementations lacking the various features may be
contemplated as within the scope of the application, the scope
being defined by the claims that follow. When the language "a
portion" is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire
item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
* * * * *